New Knockbreda manager Lee Forsythe is under no illusions about the step up in class he faces as he prepares for his latest football challenge.

Although it was with a somewhat heavy heart that Forsythe parted company with the Drome Park club after nine successful years, the 33-year-old is nevertheless relishing the opportunity to test himself in the Irish League Championship division.

“After excepting the job on Monday evening I returned to the club on Tuesday to break the news to the board and is was quite emotional, but this is an opportunity I couldn't pass up,” enthused Forsythe.

“To be honest I thought I the chance to manage at a higher level had passed me by so, while I fully understand it's a step up, I can't wait to get stuck in.

“When I spoke to Knockbreda on Monday evening I told them they may be able to find a a manager who is more experienced at this level, but they wouldn't find a more committed one than myself.

“When I first took over at Ards Rangers we were 11th in 1A and I well remember going through a shaky spell at the beginning before settling in to the job and winning promotion to the Premier Division.

“Thankfully over the preceding years we had our fair share of success and, even when we weren't winning trophies, we were still very competitive.

“Obviously I've the players to thank for that success, without them I wouldn't have achieved anything and I'd like to place on record my thanks to them all.”

During his time at Ards Rangers Forsythe oversaw his squad win two Premier Division titles and a Border Cup, as well finishing league runners-up up on three occasions and losing out in two other Border finals as well as an Intermediate Cup final.

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Civil Servant Forsythe will now hope to replicate that success at Breda Park, although with the likes of Portadown now added into the equation he admits a tough league has got even tougher.

“As with every other club our aim will be to make ourselves as competitive as possible in the league campaign and obviously with the relegation of Portadown the battle for the Championship has taken a new turn,” added Forsythe.

Last time out under former manager Garth Scates, Knockbreda flirted with the relegation zone for a period before pulling away to the safety of an eighth-placed finish.